Jaunted - Tag: Cheap Travel

New York: While Every Other Travel Thing is Cheaper, Rental Cars are Still Super Expensive

Victor Ozols — 2009-11-07T16:48:03-05:00

Airfares and hotel room prices have fallen markedly in response to the global economic meltdown, but rental car rates are as high as ever, prompting the penny-pinchers over at Budget Travel to offer up a few tips on keeping the costs down on your next trip. In an AP item, the magazine's editor-in-chief said that car rental companies are unique in that they can trim their supply of cars very easily, maintaining a tight market for rentals. Thus, your best bet for a bargain is to book in advance, look for a discount code on a site like best-car-rental-tips.com, or use a bidding site like Priceline.

Anatomy of a Recent Bidding Adventure on Priceline

Victor Ozols — 2009-06-27T14:30:20-05:00

I don't know about you, but I've always done well by bidding for hotel rooms on Priceline. Sure, not knowing where you might end up is unnerving, but you can limit your downside by focusing on four- and five-star properties and doing a little bit of research. The discounts more than make up for any imperfections. In the past I've gotten great rates at hotels like the Strand Ocean Drive in Miami Beach, the Renaissance M Street in Washington, D.C., and the Crowne Plaza Key West La Concha, and now when I book a trip it's almost second nature to cobble together a bidding strategy and then click over to Priceline.

Quit Vacillating and Book Your Summer Flights Already!

Victor Ozols — 2009-06-27T12:18:43-05:00

If you've been waiting to pull the trigger on a flight this summer in the hope that ticket prices will soften even further, it's time to commit. Airfares are about as low as they're going to go, according to the guy from FareCompare.com, which keeps an eye on these kinds of things. In an interesting AP item, CEO Rick Seaney said that airfares have begun to creep up by $10 to $20 in recent days, and will likely continue to firm as oil prices rise and the summer travel season begins in earnest over the Independence Day holiday. The bottom line: buy your tickets now if you want a super-cheap vacation this summer. Do it.

Chicago: Chi-Town's Free 'Instagreeters' Tour Obama's South Side

JetSetCD — 2009-05-12T14:01:53-05:00

If you're a Chicago local giving in to a "staycation" this summer or a tourist keeping your trips domestic, the city is going to try their best to attract you down to their newest, hottest spot: President Obama's former residence.

Located on the south side of the city in the Hyde Park neighborhood, the Obama house is just one stop on the free walking tours leaving every Saturday from June 6 to September 26 at 10am thru 3pm from the Hyde Park Arts Center. Now you know we love free stuff, and so this tour appeals in terms of cost (none!) and historical and architectural significance.

When you aren't snapping pics of Obama's street, you're "Instagreeter" guide will take you by Frank Lloyd Wright's Robie House and the University of Chicago. Tours are first-come, first-served and no reservations are needed; simply show up at the Arts Center and relish being away from the typical tourist traps of downtown and the north side.

[Obama's House photo: Abitare]

Chicago: Chicago Caters to the 'Staycationers' This Summer

JetSetCD — 2009-05-05T10:47:04-05:00

While New York City may undoubtably be the king city of cheap things to do to bide your time, Chicago is surprisingly stepping up to give it a run for its money this summer.

From wholesome activities like neighborhood scavenger hunts to an exhibit on the city's gardens, the Windy City is working overtime to supply its glut of summer tourists and even the locals with affordable events to look forward to this summer. Since Chicago remains one of our favorite cities for kicking it urban style, we of course like a few of the events better than others, and yes, they are free.